• Home
  • Top Most
  • Top 5 Biggest Upsets In Icc Cricket World Cup History

Top 5 Biggest Upsets In ICC Cricket World Cup History

image-lnsqg2rqAfghanistan spinners were viral in their win over England

The heartbeats of fans worldwide pulsated with a rhythm of surprise and admiration on Sunday. In the World Cup 2023, an unbelievable spectacle unfolded, one that will be etched in the cricketing history for generations to come.


Top 5 Biggest Upsets in ODI World Cup History

The tournament witnessed a shocker as Afghanistan, the underdogs and the torchbearers of a newer cricketing generation, stunned defending champions England with a convincing 69-run victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

This victory wasn't just a win in numbers; it was a statement, a proof of the passion and potential that Afghanistan brings to the cricketing world. As the dust settles on this staggering upset, let’s take a walk down the memory lane and look at the top five upsets in ICC Cricket World Cup history.


1. India vs West Indies: World Cup 1983 – Final

The World Cup 1983 final between India and the West Indies at Lord's is etched in cricket history as one of the biggest upsets. Two-time champions West Indies were hot favourites, having won the previous two editions of the World Cup. India, batting first, was bundled out for a modest total of 183. With the formidable West Indian batting lineup, this total looked easily chaseable. 

image-lnsqm3wyIndia defeated two-time champs West Indies in the final (Twitter)

However, India had other plans. Led by inspirational skipper Kapil Dev, the Indian bowlers and fielders displayed immense heart and commitment. Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath picked up crucial wickets, with the latter being awarded the Man of the Match for his all-round performance. India managed to bowl out the West Indies for 140, thereby clinching their maiden World Cup title and changing the dynamics of cricket in the subcontinent forever.


2. Zimbabwe vs Australia: World Cup 1983 – Match 3

This encounter during the World Cup 1983 is a testimony to the unpredictable nature of the sport. Zimbabwe, newcomers to the world stage, were up against the formidable Australian side at Trent Bridge. Few gave Zimbabwe any chance, but they put up a competitive total of 239 for 6, with Duncan Fletcher leading from the front with an unbeaten 69. 

image-lnsqmrv0Duncan Fletcher put in a stunning all-round performance (Twitter)

When Australia batted, they faced a resilient and disciplined Zimbabwean attack. The Australians found themselves in trouble and never truly recovered, eventually being bowled out for 226 with Fletcher nagging four wickets. Zimbabwe's shock 13-run victory against a top-tier team not only showcased their talent but also added to the story of World Cup upsets.


3. Ireland vs England: World Cup 2011 – Match 15

The Bengaluru clash during the World Cup 2011 is a game that remains in the heart of every cricket fan. England, having set a massive target of 328, felt confident of a win, especially after reducing Ireland to 111 for 5. But Kevin O'Brien had other ideas. Playing one of the most scintillating innings in World Cup history, he raced to a century off just 50 balls. 

image-lnsqnym3Kevin O'Brien had smashed the then fastest century in World Cup history (Twitter)

With able support from the lower order, Ireland pulled off a sensational chase, reaching the target with 5 balls to spare. O'Brien's whirlwind 113 off 63 balls ensured that this match would forever be an attestation to the fighting spirit of the Irish side.


4. Kenya vs West Indies: World Cup 1996 – Match 20

The World Cup 1996 saw an amateur Kenyan team take on the might of the West Indies. In a game that seemed heavily skewed in favour of the Caribbean giants, the Kenyan team displayed extraordinary tenacity. After getting bowled out for 166, few expected them to pose any challenge to the strong West Indies batting lineup. 

image-lnsqovvnKenya vs West Indies (Twitter)

Yet, what followed was an extraordinary display of disciplined bowling and fielding. The West Indies batsmen crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for a mere 93 runs, handing Kenya a 73-run victory. Maurice Odumbe's spell of 3 for 15 and Rajab Ali’s spell of 3/17 were particularly crucial in derailing the West Indies chase.


5. Afghanistan vs England: World Cup 2023: Match 13

Afghanistan's journey in international cricket has been nothing short of a fairy tale, and their clash against England in the World Cup 2023 added another glorious chapter. With Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil scoring brilliant half-centuries, Afghanistan set a challenging total of 284 runs, their second-highest in World Cup history. 

image-lnsqphgsMujeeb Ur Rahman was adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his all-round performance (Twitter)

While England boasted a potent batting line-up, the Afghan bowlers, known for their spin bowling, rose to the occasion. With spin wizards Mujeeb ur Rahman and Rashid Khan weaving their magic and claiming three wickets apiece, England was restricted to 215 runs. The 69-run victory was not just a tale of Afghanistan's growth in cricket but also a sign of their ability to challenge and overcome the best in the business.